Formal:
* ಮಿತ್ರ (mithra): This is the most formal way to say "friend" and is often used in written or official contexts.
* ಸ್ನೇಹಿತ (snehitha): This is also a formal way to say "friend", but it's slightly less formal than "mithra".
Informal:
* ಗೆಳೆಯ (geleya): This is the most common way to say "friend" in informal contexts, especially for male friends.
* ಗೆಳತಿ (gelathi): This is the most common way to say "friend" in informal contexts, especially for female friends.
* ಸಖಿ (sakhi): This is a more poetic or literary way to say "friend" and is often used for female friends.
Other:
* ಬಂಧು (bandhu): This literally means "relative" but can also be used to refer to a close friend.
* ಸಂಗಾತಿ (sangati): This means "companion" and can also be used to refer to a friend.
The best way to choose the right word depends on the situation and your relationship with the person you are talking to.